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Feb 5, 2009 4:45 pm US/Central
Money Savers: Stretching Your Travel Dollar
(CBS)
As airlines report a drop in passenger traffic, better fares for travelers can be found. Travel experts say airlines are trying to fill those empty seats during this economic slump.
"The traffic is very weak. We are seeing a lot of wild, crazy airfare - not only good for April and March, but May and June," said Tom Parsons with BestFares.com.
Whether you want a romantic getaway for two on the beach, or a fun-filled trip to the strip in Las Vegas, travel experts say the time to book a vacation is now.
"Now is the time to take advantage of the deals," says Anne Banas of SmarterTravel.com. "They're across the board in every sector -- airfare, hotel, cruise, vacation."
Banas says the travel industry is reeling in this slumping economy, and that can only mean better deals for you. But how can you find those great deals and really stretch your travel dollar? Banas says shop 'til you drop!
"There is not one Website that has all the best deals you have to look at a lot of them."
During Spring Break, travelers can fly from Dallas to New Orleans for $49 one way on Southwest Airlines. From Dallas to Denver, it's $89 each way. From Dallas to San Diego, the cost is $99 one way.
Travel experts say they are finding American Airlines are matching these fares.
If you're looking for a springtime getaway to the Caribbean, check out CheapCaribbean.com for savings up to 70 percent off. Banas also says the individual airlines may have great packaged deals.
"US Airways and American have a lot of reach in the Caribbean and they have a lot of packages where they put air and hotel together."
Cruise lines also are offering amazing deals for Spring. CruiseCompete.com pits travel agencies against each other and deals there can start for less than $300.
Rick Seaney, CEO of Dallas-based FareCompare.com, says flexibility is the key to saving money and finding great deals -- especially on airfare. His site will help you navigate through the calendar to find the lowest air fares available.
"Absolutely, the best days and the cheapest days to travel are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday," Seaney says.
He cautions that air fare sales starting in January and February are usually only for trips taken before March. Because of the economy this year, many of those deals are being extended for flights through spring and even into summer.
"(The airlines') concern right now is that people just won't be buying tickets in March and April and May," he says. "So, they're willing to take those bookings now at any price. Their fear is our gain."
According to Banas, the savings shouldn't stop once you reach your destination. She says you should be able to save a bundle where you stay.
"Don't just look for discounts," she advises. "Look for other perks. Look for upgrades, free nights, even resort credits. Sometimes even spa treatments are available, so you can get a lot of extras for your money."
You can even find deals on dinner. Websites like OpenTable.com offer specials on fine dining, and can even help you make your reservations. For other activities, Banas says start looking locally.
"Go to the tourism site of the destination you are looking to go to," she says. "They often post some really great deals on things to do, dining and other activities."
If you're wishing you could go to Las Vegas, Banas says this is the perfect time.
"Vegas tourism is down a huge percentage, and it's a really great time if you want to find a nicer hotel to stay at," she says. "You get a lot of upgrades and a lot of extra perks."
With websites like Vegas.com, you could find a Vegas vacation for under $300.
Banas and Seaney both urge consumer not to wait because today's deals may not be here tomorrow.
To get many of the deals, tickets usually have to be purchased at least 14 days in advance.
Find Cheap Airfare:
Yapta.com
ExpertFlyer.com
Kayak.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
FareCompare.com
AirlineConsolidator.com
Find Cruise Deals:
CruiseCompete.com
CruiseCritic.com
ShoreTrips.com
Caribbean Deals:
CheapCaribbean.com
Plan Your Trip:
TripIt.com
SmarterTravel.com
Dining Deals:
OpenTable.com
Vegas Vacation:
Vegas.com
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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